Chapter Summaries

Han Shuangjiang entered the pool to open the stone gate, but the trial trapped her underwater among multiplying Water Blades and healing Body Tempering Potion. When the barrier kept her from escaping and she asked Chu Huai Xu to find a way through, he jumped into the water to help.

• Han Shuangjiang broke through the Fifth Aperture and plunged into the river to activate the trial.
• The Formation turned the river into a pool and attacked Han Shuangjiang with Water Blades that cut her skin and clothes.
• Dark green Body Tempering Potion poured from four holes and rapidly healed Han Shuangjiang’s wounds.
• Han Shuangjiang reached the opposite bank but could not pass its Transparent Barrier, while the Water Blades continued multiplying.
• Han Shuangjiang urged Chu Huai Xu to look for a way through, and he leapt into the pool.

Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang endured the Water Blade pool trial, which let Chu Huai Xu temper his body and absorb the Aperture Opening Pill more quickly. He shielded Han Shuangjiang from the blades, but their close positioning left them flustered as the trial continued.

• Chu Huai Xu entered the pool, discovered that the Water Blades multiplied with each person in the water, and confirmed that the trial had a thirty-minute countdown.
• As Chu Huai Xu swam through the blades, his wounds and the Body Tempering Potion rapidly increased his Cultivation Technique Experience Points.
• Han Shuangjiang struggled to endure the growing number of Water Blades while her wounds healed and her clothes were torn.
• Chu Huai Xu reached Han Shuangjiang at the far wall and pressed her against it to block the Water Blades from striking her.
• After Chu Huai Xu explained that the pool helped him with Body Tempering, Han Shuangjiang tried to adjust her position, then blushed when they accidentally brushed against each other.

Chu Huai Xu endured the underwater trial with Han Shuangjiang while questioning her about a Storyteller she had met in Willow County. He realized the Storyteller was likely the Dao Sect’s infamous Junior Uncle, leaving him alarmed by the danger and power of the man now connected to his fate.

• Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang endured the growing Water Blades together, and he assured her the trial would end after they lasted long enough.
• Han Shuangjiang asked Chu Huai Xu about the trial and tried to ease the awkward silence, accidentally rubbing against him again.
• Chu Huai Xu asked Han Shuangjiang about the Storyteller she had encountered in Willow County, and she described him as an unreliable, vain Great Cultivator.
• Chu Huai Xu concluded that the Storyteller was likely the Dao Sect Junior Uncle, a former Ninth Realm cultivator known for killing demons for sixty years.
• Chu Huai Xu feared the Junior Uncle might discover how he had joined the Dao Sect, while Han Shuangjiang noticed him shudder.

Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang endured the Water Blade trial together, growing awkwardly aware of their close physical contact. After the trial ended, Han Shuangjiang used the Spirit Disk to open the way forward, but the stone door remained shut.

• Chu Huai Xu thought about the Dao Sect's Demon Purging Junior Uncle and focused on surviving the trial to gain Experience Points.
• Han Shuangjiang misunderstood Chu Huai Xu's shiver, then grew embarrassed when she realized she'd misread him.
• As they endured the Water Blades, Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang repeatedly brushed against each other and became increasingly self-conscious.
• A noise and Liu Chengqi's angry shout startled Han Shuangjiang, making her press against Chu Huai Xu before he reassured her that no one would enter soon.
• When the trial ended, Han Shuangjiang climbed out and placed her hand on the Spirit Disk, which registered her Nine Yin Physique and Super Grade Spiritual Embryo, but the stone door did not open.

Chu Huai Xu opened the secret chamber after the Spirit Disk responded to his Low Grade Spiritual Embryo, then found a pill that could improve it and a message from the chamber’s owner. The message encouraged him to keep pursuing the Great Dao despite his lack of aptitude.

• Chu Huai Xu finished absorbing the Body Tempering Potion and discovered that Han Shuangjiang’s Super Grade Spiritual Embryo had not opened the stone door.
• Chu Huai Xu touched the Spirit Disk, whose pointer moved only one mark, and the stone door opened.
• Chu Huai Xu took the Spirit Disk, and he and Han Shuangjiang entered the chamber, where the door closed behind them.
• Chu Huai Xu found a Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill, a Level 7 pill that could heal a damaged Spiritual Embryo and potentially raise its grade.
• Chu Huai Xu read Lei Wenyen’s message, which described the chamber’s trials and urged later generations not to abandon their ambitions because of a low-grade Spiritual Embryo.

Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang discovered that Lei Wenyen had left the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill as a gift for cultivators with limited innate aptitude, and the System rewarded Chu Huai Xu for clearing the Hidden Dungeon. Chu Huai Xu began consuming the pill in the sealed chamber, while outside the Secret Realm a strange aura spread from the Cold Pool and Liu Chenggong’s sword trembled.

• Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang read Lei Wenyen’s message and realized why he had left the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill for later cultivators.
• The System declared the Hidden Dungeon: Pill King Token cleared and awarded Chu Huai Xu 1,000 free Experience Points and one Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill.
• Chu Huai Xu asked Han Shuangjiang to guard him as he cultivated inside the sealed chamber, then swallowed the pill and felt its warmth spread through his body.
• Han Shuangjiang watched Chu Huai Xu grow red and steam as the black Heart Sword in his Sea of Consciousness became active.
• At the Cold Pool, Liu Tianfeng worried about Liu Chengqi as more entrants were eliminated, including Meng Xiaodong.
• A wondrous aura spread from the Cold Pool, and Liu Chenggong’s sword began trembling uncontrollably.

A mysterious ripple from the Cold Pool made swords across the Dao Sect react, and Shen Man identified it as the Clear Heart Sword. Inside the Secret Realm, Chu Huai Xu absorbed the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill, gained two Spiritual Embryo Attribute points, and unlocked the Clear Heart Sword divine ability.

• Liu Chenggong's Azure Pine sword trembled beside the Cold Pool, and Liu Tianfeng and Niu Yuanshan suspected that a power beneath the pool had caused the disturbance.
• Mo Qingmei's Destined Spirit Sword began trembling, so she headed toward the Cold Pool to investigate.
• Chu Yinyin visited Shen Man in the Purple Bamboo Forest, where her own sword reacted to the ripple and Shen Man identified it as the Clear Heart Sword.
• Chu Yinyin flew toward Medicine Mountain after realizing the anomaly had originated in the Outer Sect.
• Chu Huai Xu absorbed the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill, gained two Spiritual Embryo Attribute points, and unlocked the Clear Heart Sword divine ability.

After taking the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill, Chu Huai Xu raised his Spiritual Fetus to Level 3 and unexpectedly awakened the Clear Heart Sword divine ability. He sensed its power inside his Little black sword and wondered whether he could still develop a Sword Heart himself.

• Chu Huai Xu used the Spirit Disk and found that the pill had raised his Spiritual Fetus by two levels.
• Chu Huai Xu realized he had awakened Clear Heart Sword at Level 3, surprising Han Shuangjiang.
• Chu Huai Xu examined the divine ability and learned that it enhanced all Sword Arts by 100%.
• Chu Huai Xu sensed the Little black sword had grown more active and that Clear Heart Sword's power was hidden within it.
• Chu Huai Xu wondered whether he could still develop a Sword Heart himself.

Sword Spirits reacted violently to an anomaly beneath the Cold Pool, drawing the Outer Sect stewards and Dao Sect elders to investigate. Chu Yinyin learned the disturbance was linked to Clear Heart Sword, but the elders kept the details from her and went to question Shen Man, who finally broke the array silencing Chu Yinyin.

• Sword Cultivators gathered at the Cold Pool as the stewards debated the anomaly, and Liu Tianfeng reported that Chu Huai Xu, Han Shuangjiang, and Liu Chengqi were inside the Secret Realm.
• Chu Yinyin arrived and tried to explain the anomaly, but Sect Leader Xiang Yan repeatedly silenced her before she could reveal its cause.
• Xiang Yan and the elders discussed Shen Man's claim that Clear Heart Sword had caused the anomaly, while Chu Yinyin struggled to overhear them.
• Xiang Yan led the elders to the Purple Bamboo Forest to question Shen Man, and Lu Pan silenced Chu Yinyin again when she refused to join them.
• Shen Man broke the Sound-Sealing Array that Chu Yinyin had been unable to overcome.

Shen Man volunteered to join the secret realm matter despite the Seventh Realm restriction, and the Dao Sect elders discussed Chu Huai Xu’s extraordinary Clear Heart Sword. The chapter ended with Shen Man revealing that Chu Huai Xu had reached Great Perfection in the Sword Dao without even having a sword.

• Xiang Yan explained that only cultivators below the Seventh Realm were barred from the secret, but Chu Yinyin suggested lowering its level and Shen Man volunteered to go.
• Shen Man confirmed that the Aperture Opening Stage disciple beneath the Cold Pool had Clear Heart Sword, astounding the Dao Sect elders.
• The elders compared Chu Huai Xu’s comprehension to the Sword Sect’s Sword Venerable and mocked the Sword Sect’s claims about him.
• Chu Yinyin learned the disciple was Chu Huai Xu and decided to make him her True Disciple, despite the others insisting she could not teach him.
• Xiang Yan ordered the Sixth Elder to bring Chu Huai Xu to them after he left Secluded Cultivation, and Shen Man revealed that he had no sword.

Chu Huai Xu left the Secret Realm and was summoned before the Dao Sect’s leaders after triggering a Heaven and Earth Anomaly. They could not detect his Clear Heart Sword until the mysterious Seventh Elder identified its location as his Sea of Consciousness.

• Sect Leader Xiang Yan sent Chu Huai Xu to ascend all of Hidden Spirit Mountain, while Li Chunsong cleared the Cold Pool area of onlookers.
• Chu Huai Xu found no more Body Tempering Potion in the Third Level and left Liu Chengqi trapped in the Illusionary realm as he and Han Shuangjiang exited the Secret Realm.
• Li Chunsong brought Chu Huai Xu to the Purple Bamboo Forest, where Sect Leader Xiang Yan and the Dao Sect’s elders examined him after his Heaven and Earth Anomaly.
• The elders confirmed Chu Huai Xu had a third-grade Spirit Fetus but could not locate his Clear Heart Sword or place a protective restriction on it.
• The Seventh Elder identified the Clear Heart Sword’s location as Chu Huai Xu’s Sea of Consciousness, alarming him.

The Dao Sect elders investigated Chu Huai Xu’s Sea of Consciousness and discovered that his Spirit Fetus held Clear Heart Sword and a living Sword Spirit. They placed a Restriction on him and sent him back to the Outer Sect, while Liu Chengqi emerged from the Secret Realm in a panic after realizing he had been trapped in an illusion.

• Nangong Yue gently knocked Chu Huai Xu unconscious so Shen Man could examine his Sea of Consciousness.
• Shen Man identified Chu Huai Xu’s unusual Spirit Fetus and divine ability, and the elders confirmed he possessed Clear Heart Sword.
• Chu Yinyin’s divine sense was shaken out by the Little black sword, which Shen Man identified as a Sword Spirit.
• Xiang Yan argued that Chu Huai Xu’s Spirit Fetus was not caused by his cultivation method and pointed out his importance to the coming Great Tribulation and Origin Spirit Realm.
• Lu Pan placed a Restriction on Chu Huai Xu, and Xiang Yan ordered Li Chunsong to return him to the Outer Sect.
• Liu Chengqi was ejected from the Secret Realm into the Cold Pool, found Liu Tianfeng absent, and broke down while repeating that everything had been an illusion.

After awakening from a dream, Chu Huai Xu learned that the Heart Sword in his Sea of Consciousness had protected him and received a pass to Hidden Spirit Mountain. As Li Chunsong explained the Sword Heart, Chu Huai Xu bluntly declared that the First Generation Sword Venerable had been wrong.

• Chu Huai Xu woke in the Bamboo House, drank Soul Calming Tea, and heard from Li Chunsong that the black sword in his Sea of Consciousness had protected him from the Tenth Elder.
• Li Chunsong gave Chu Huai Xu a Sect Leader-authorized Token to Hidden Spirit Mountain and advised him to break through to the Aperture Opening Stage before seeking a Destined Magic Treasure.
• Li Chunsong told Chu Huai Xu that he might study under Shen Man after joining the Inner Sect, while Chu Huai Xu privately recalled that she would die in Xuan Calendar 1993.
• Han Shuangjiang joined them, and Li Chunsong warned both of them to keep Chu Huai Xu's Clear Heart Sword secret, noting that the Sect Leader had arranged a Restriction for him.
• Li Chunsong explained that Sword Heart depended on comprehension and recounted the Sword Venerable's claim that people without Spiritual Power could never form one.
• Chu Huai Xu calmly said that the First Generation Sword Venerable was wrong, leaving Li Chunsong stunned before he laughed with delight.

Chu Huai Xu praised the Dao Ancestor over the First Generation Sword Venerable, earning Li Chunsong’s approval. He then secured Xu Ziqing a chance to become a Registered Disciple of the Dao Sect, setting the servant on a path toward cultivation and revenge.

• Chu Huai Xu declared the Dao Ancestor superior to the First Generation Sword Venerable, and Li Chunsong praised his boldness while warning him not to say it outside.
• Li Chunsong suggested Chu Huai Xu might become Shen Man’s disciple and the Junior Uncle’s grand-disciple, while Chu Huai Xu privately considered the possibility.
• Chu Huai Xu asked Li Chunsong whether Xu Ziqing could become a Registered Disciple, explaining that the youth had learned Martial Arts by watching.
• Li Chunsong ordered Chu Huai Xu to take Xu Ziqing to Niu Yuanshan and say that he had given the order.
• Chu Huai Xu urged the stunned Xu Ziqing to follow him to see Niu Steward, and Xu Ziqing hurried after him with renewed hope.

Chu Huai Xu reported obtaining the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill and arranged for Xu Ziqing to become a Registered Disciple. After urging Xu Ziqing to carry himself with more confidence, Chu Huai Xu presented him with a cultivation manual and a Jade slip titled “Sword Refining Art.”

• Xu Ziqing followed Chu Huai Xu from the Cold Pool, resolving to cultivate and avenge his family.
• Niu Yuanshan concluded that Chu Huai Xu had caused the Anomaly and vowed to protect him, then welcomed him when he came to report obtaining the Xuantian Fetal Breath Pill.
• Chu Huai Xu asked Niu Yuanshan to register Xu Ziqing as a disciple, and Niu Yuanshan issued him a Registered Disciple Token and refined his Life Token.
• On their way back, Chu Huai Xu told Xu Ziqing to straighten his back and stand farther forward, and Xu Ziqing began calling him Senior Brother.
• After dinner and the chores, Chu Huai Xu showed Xu Ziqing a Jade slip labeled “Sword Refining Art” and a Booklet.

Chu Huai Xu gave Xu Ziqing the Sword Refining Art, cultivation notes, and three Brocade Pouches to guide his first steps in cultivation. After opening his Sixth Acupoint, Chu Huai Xu waited for Xu Ziqing to begin reading, and the chapter ended with Xu Ziqing finding contradictory advice in the notes.

• Chu Huai Xu gave Xu Ziqing the Sword Refining Art, a Booklet of Experience Notes, and instructions for opening three Brocade Pouches at different stages of cultivation.
• Xu Ziqing accepted the materials eagerly and assured Chu Huai Xu that he was not afraid of hardship.
• Chu Huai Xu spent his experience points to open his Sixth Acupoint, enduring intense pain while trying not to wake Xu Ziqing.
• Chu Huai Xu planned to revisit the Pill King Token dungeon to gather more resources and waited for Xu Ziqing to read the cultivation method.
• Xu Ziqing memorized the Sword Refining Art and opened the Booklet, finding the headings “Don't Cultivate!”, “Listen to Advice!”, and “Peerless Divine Art!”

Xu Ziqing endured the Sword Refining Art’s pain long enough to complete one energy cycle, while Chu Huai Xu returned to the secret realm to gather more Experience Points and strengthen himself. At Red Sleeves Beckon, a Big Man asked the Storyteller whether they should prepare to return to their sect.

• Xu Ziqing completed one energy cycle through the painful Sword Refining Art but found his acupoints still blocked.
• Xu Ziqing opened his first brocade pouch and read the advice, “If you're bad, practice more!”
• Chu Huai Xu entered the secret realm, shattered the Illusionary Realm with the Heart Sword, and cleared the First Level again.
• Chu Huai Xu endured the Third Level’s Water Blades, gained 850 Experience Points, and reached level eight.
• A Storyteller finished his performance at Red Sleeves Beckon and admired himself in a mirror while a Big Man asked if they should return to the sect.

The Storyteller explained how he had arranged for Xu Ziqing to choose the Heretical Sword Refining Art and eventually approach the Evil Sword, while refusing to return to the Dao Sect. Meanwhile, Chu Huai Xu decided to bring Xu Ziqing to the Secret Realm, and Xu Ziqing noticed a resemblance between the note from his Senior Brother and the Booklet’s handwriting.

• The Storyteller told the Big Man that he had left the Sword Refining Art for Xu Ziqing, believing Xu would choose it because of his martial-arts family’s sword tradition.
• The Storyteller said Xu Ziqing was destined for the Evil Sword and insisted that he should follow the Dao Ancestor’s Admonition without receiving extra help.
• Chu Huai Xu gained fewer than 400 Experience Points in the Secret Realm and decided its Body Tempering benefits would be useful for Xu Ziqing.
• Chu Huai Xu returned to the Bamboo House, heard Xu Ziqing practicing in his room, and went back to his own room without interrupting him.
• Xu Ziqing finished circulating his energy, compared his Senior Brother’s note with the Booklet, and began examining their handwriting.

Xu Ziqing endured the painful Sword Refining Art, believing Chu Huai Xu’s misleading advice until a second pouch revealed the deception. Though angry and humiliated, he recommitted himself to cultivation, and Chu Huai Xu gave him a Pill King Token Fragment and took him somewhere.

• Xu Ziqing practiced through the night and fainted from the pain, then woke late and apologized to Chu Huai Xu.
• At breakfast, Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang said they had each opened an aperture, while Xu Ziqing admitted he had practiced until he passed out.
• Xu Ziqing spent the day cultivating, repeatedly collapsing from pain without seeing any progress, and cried before resuming his practice.
• Xu Ziqing opened Chu Huai Xu’s second pouch and read that practicing more would not make him less weak, which angered him and stirred his pride.
• Chu Huai Xu saw that Xu Ziqing had opened the pouch, teased him, tossed him a Pill King Token Fragment, and invited him to go somewhere.

Chu Huai Xu brought Xu Ziqing into the Secret Realm and forced him to endure a Water Blade trial infused with Body Tempering Potion. He confirmed Xu Ziqing absorbed the potion with exceptional efficiency, then complained that the youth was too quiet as he endured the pain.

• Xu Ziqing followed Chu Huai Xu to the Cold Pool, and the two used a Formation to enter the Secret Realm.
• Chu Huai Xu shattered an Illusionary realm, led Xu Ziqing through the Third Level, and shoved him into the Underground River.
• Water Blades wounded Xu Ziqing as Chu Huai Xu ordered him not to dodge and held him in the pool.
• Xu Ziqing discovered that Body Tempering Potion was healing his wounds and followed Chu Huai Xu's instructions to absorb it.
• Chu Huai Xu observed Xu Ziqing's unusually high absorption efficiency and suspected his Innate Medicine-Infused Saint Physique had a higher limit.